crumb trails

In this period of economic instability, we must all learn to be frugal. As adults, we can devise ways to economize, make the most of what we have and spend our hard-earned money on necessary and very important things only. But how about children? How can we make them understand a subject like the economy? If you’re a parent, how would you teach your kids the value of being thrifty?

I came across a book for children during Adarna House’s Lecture Series in July entitled “Tight Times.” This book, in my opinion, is an effective tool to explain to children about our economic situation and make them value money. It is a 30-page illustrated storybook told in first person (from the point of view of one of the children in the family). The story opens with the phrase “Mamang says these are tight times, so we’ve got to be tough (Sabi ni Mamang, ito’y panahon ng taggipit kaya’t kailangan nating maging matatag). From this line, you know already it is touching a serious subject that is also complicated for a child. But the tale is very well-written: simple, direct, sensitive, and hopeful. Aside from being thrifty, “Tight Times” also teaches how to save and economize, appreciate the things you have, and be thankful for every little blessing you receive. It explains why certain activities you do regularly before you only do once in a while now.

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